Starting with the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, only biological women will be eligible to compete in female categories. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is introducing mandatory genetic testing for the SRY gene, effectively ending the era of gender verification based on testosterone levels.
Genetic Testing to Replace Testosterone Measurements
During an official address on March 26, 2026, Kirsty Coventry, head of the IOC, announced a fundamental shift in athlete eligibility policy. The new regulations, set to take effect for the 2028 LA Summer Games, dictate that only biological women may compete in female categories. This means transgender athletes and athletes with Disorders of Sex Development (DSD) will no longer be permitted to compete in this category. The decision aims to unify rules across all Olympic disciplines and resolve years of speculation regarding the gender identity of participants.
The primary verification tool will be a one-time genetic test designed to detect the SRY gene, located on the Y chromosome, which is responsible for the development of male physical characteristics. The IOC stated that testing will use non-invasive methods, such as cheek swabs, saliva samples, or blood tests. Supervised by medical experts, this procedure will be performed only once in an athlete’s career; a negative result will permanently confirm their eligibility for the women’s category. If a test returns a positive result for the SRY gene, the athlete will be ineligible for female competitions.
The introduction of these regulations marks the end of a framework established in 2004, where eligibility was primarily determined by blood testosterone thresholds. The IOC noted that the new policy is rooted in clear biological criteria, intended to simplify the process for national committees and athletes alike. Simultaneously, the committee emphasized that education and psychological support for athletes undergoing testing will be a crucial part of the implementation.
Why the SRY Gene? The Data is Definitive
The primary motivation behind these radical changes is the desire to ensure fair competition and athlete safety. Kirsty Coventry, a decorated former Olympic swimmer from Zimbabwe, stressed that at the Olympic level, even the smallest biological advantage can be the difference between gold and finishing off the podium. According to the IOC chief, competition between biological men and women is inherently unfair and, in contact sports, can even pose a safety risk to female athletes.
An official IOC policy document reveals that individuals who go through male puberty retain a significant physical advantage that is not eliminated by hormone replacement therapy. Data indicates a 10% to 12% performance advantage for biological males in endurance disciplines like running and swimming. In sports relying on explosive power, such as boxing or weightlifting, the disparity can reach 100%. While the IOC acknowledges that science in this field is still evolving, the federation deemed the existing evidence sufficient to implement these restrictions.
This move aligns with trends set by other major governing bodies, most notably World Athletics. The global track and field federation introduced mandatory SRY gene testing in March 2025, arguing that biology must take precedence over identity in elite sports. Sebastian Coe, President of World Athletics, has repeatedly stated that protecting the female category is a priority for maintaining the integrity of sports.
What Happens to Excluded Athletes?
The IOC’s decision met with immediate and emotional reactions, echoing the debates following the 2024 Paris Games, where boxers Imane Khelif and Lin Yu-ting won gold medals. Critics, including South African runner Caster Semenya, argue the new rules are a form of discrimination. Semenya, who has spent years in legal battles over testosterone limits, stated that reintroducing genetic testing is simply a new name for excluding women with natural biological variations.
However, the IOC clarifies that athletes who do not pass the genetic test will not be entirely barred from sports. Under the new guidelines, they may apply to compete in men’s categories, mixed events (occupying slots designated for men), or “open categories” should individual federations create them. A very narrow exception remains for individuals with rare DSD conditions where the presence of a Y chromosome does not result in the typical male physiological performance advantage.
Sports at a Crossroads: Biology vs. Identity
The IOC’s shift toward genetic testing is a landmark step in protecting the biological foundations of women’s sports. By basing qualification on the SRY gene, the committee seeks a clear legal framework to ensure a level playing field. The success of this policy will depend on the effective implementation of alternative categories and the precision of medical screenings leading up to the 2028 Games.
